"We would help each other with lesson planning at night and that was our way of spending time together on the weekdays," explained Mr Bahari. Mr Bahari taught Design and Technology in Bartley Secondary School, while Madam Rapeah taught English, mathematics and science in Bedok South primary school.

The couple, who have four children in their 40s, live in a five-room flat in Chai Chee.

Mr Bahari volunteers with the People's Association and sits on the management committee at Kampong Kembangan Community Club. "My wife is not a member but I take her along to all the events when I can," he said.

The couple are keeping their celebrations for their marriage jubilee small. They will be going for a three-day cruise to Malacca, where they are looking forward to "eating and sleeping" and relaxing by the ship's swimming pool.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 07, 2015, with the headline 'Love and teaching, hand in hand'. Print Edition | Subscribe

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